UPDATE: Highway 17 Bypass Project In Jones County Would Move Dozens Of Homes

Posted: Tue 8:06 PM, Sep 18, 2012&nbsp|&nbsp

Updated: Wed 8:49 AM, Sep 19, 2012

The North Carolina Department of Transportation held an informational workshop for citizens Tuesday as a popular highway is set to get a makeover.

NCDOT proposes to improve 16 miles of U.S. 17 from Deppe Loop Road/Springhill Road, south of Belgrade to the Jones/Craven County line. The selected alternative includes constructing a bypass of Belgrade and Maysville and a bypass of Pollocksville as well as widening the existing two-lane highway to a four-lane, median divided highway.

The DOT says the improvements will help with traffic and safety. However, the DOT estimates 46 houses would have to be moved for the bypass. The estimated cost is $175 million.

Business owner Myrna Grissett is concerned that the bypass will also mean customers will bypass her restaurant.

DOT officials say all concerns and suggestions will be considered when they refine the project plans. It is set to go out for bids in 2015.

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